McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh is confident his team will finally unlock the potential of the lacklustre MP4-28 after finding a new direction with the development of the car.

McLaren has had one of its most disappointing starts to the season in recent memory, with a fifth place finish at the Chinese Grand Prix standing as its best result so far. The team has admitted it made fundamental mistakes with the development of the car over the winter, but Whitmarsh believes the latest upgrades added to MP4-28 at the Hungarian Grand Prix could tap in to a rich vein of performance over the next few rounds.

"We've made a small step but I think we've got some understanding," he said. "We made a series of parts pretty late [for Hungary] without the normal process and we know we will get more from some of the developments. We now have a direction and we have some good ideas. There is a little bit more optimism but clearly we shouldn't be, and we're not, pleased with where we are."

Whitmarsh said the drivers had given the team inspiration as it has learned from its mistakes this year.

"Clearly McLaren haven't done a good enough job, but I don't think we've hidden from that," he added. "That's been disappointing but we are better as a team, stronger as a team and working well, not only for this year but for the future as well.

"You've got to say a lot about our drivers. They are used to winning and they get the glare of publicity and the pressure. Not only have they done a good job in the car but they've been fantastic in the team, with the team and as ambassadors for the team.

"It's no doubt been deeply frustrating for them and they've done a fantastic job. I think everyone knows that within the organisation and everyone is working hard, and it's quite inspirational to see two young men really showing they're great human beings as well as great racing drivers."

The QRU need only make some smart decisions and get rid of the deadwood to ensure the Reds are potent again on the field, and, when that happens, the overall health of Australian rugby will improve dramatically, Greg Growden writes

Paul Pogba said he left Manchester United because he was "disgusted" Sir Alex Ferguson picked a right-back ahead of him in midfield and revealed it caused the breakdown of his relationship with the former manager